"Pest issue" leads to temporary closure of Sheffield's Moor Market
"The Council has taken the decision to close the market immediately so that urgent action can be taken to protect public health and stop the issue from spreading further”
Sheffield’s Moor Market will be closed throughout this weekend following the “identification of a pest issue affecting parts of the market, including some food businesses.”
The busy market was also closed last night as a result of the issue, Richard Eyre, director of street scene and regulations at Sheffield City Council has announced.
He confirmed the issue was only identified in specific areas of the market, but the entire market will be closed as a precautionary measure.
Mr Eyre added: "The Council has taken the decision to close the market immediately so that urgent action can be taken to protect public health and stop the issue from spreading further.
"While the issue has been identified in specific areas, closing the whole market is a precautionary but necessary step.
“It enables a full and coordinated programme of treatment and deep cleaning to be carried out across all units, communal areas and supporting spaces such as storage, significantly reducing the risk of the problem spreading.
"Acting quickly is particularly important given the current period of extreme heat due to unprecedented weather, which creates conditions where pests can spread more rapidly.
“Taking decisive action now is the most effective way to contain the issue and protect both businesses and the public.”
While the market is closed this weekend, specialist pest control activity is set to be intensified, alongside increased monitoring.
Traders will also carry out voluntary deep cleaning within their own units and storage areas
At the same time, the Council is set to undertake extensive cleaning and treatment of all communal spaces.
Mr Eyre said it is not yet possible to know when the Moor Market will re-open.
He continued: "This coordinated response is designed to tackle the issue comprehensively and minimise any ongoing risk.
"We recognise this will have a significant impact on traders, particularly at a busy time.
“We would like to thank them for their cooperation so far and their support in carrying out deep cleaning work, which is essential to enabling the market to reopen safely.
"At this stage, we are not able to confirm when the market will reopen. We are working at pace to resolve the issue and will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
"We are unable to comment further at this time but will provide an update as soon as we can."
Traders have begun to react to the sudden closure.
Posting on social media last night, Waterall Pork Butchers said: “Good evening to all our wonderful old and new customers,
“It is with much sadness and regret that we have to let you know we have been informed by Sheffield Markets that, through no fault of our own, the whole market will be closed from 5:30pm today, 26/06/26, until further notice.
“As a family run Sheffield business that has been part of the Moor Market community for many years, this really does hit hard. We know so many of you look forward to popping by for your favourite fresh pork pies, sausage rolls and our other traditional products, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience this causes you all.
“We will keep you updated as soon as Sheffield Markets give us any further information. In the meantime, please accept our sincere apologies we miss serving you already and can’t wait to be back.
“With heartfelt thanks for your continued support and loyalty,
“All the team at Waterall Pork Butchers, Moor Market.”
Food stall, Smith & Tissington, added: “We have been informed by Sheffield Markets that The Moor Market will be temporarily Closed starting Saturday 27th June until further notice due to an ongoing issue within the market.
“Whilst Our stall has not been affected and the decision has come with much distress, disappointment and shock, all of our efforts will be to do all possible to allow the re-opening as soon as is possible.
“As a family business of 3 generations it hurts a lot and to not see all of our loyal customers in the next few days will be hard and can only apologise for any inconvenience that you won't be able to shop at your favourite market stalls.
“As devastating as this is, we will be back before you know it.
“We appreciate each and every one of you who continue to support our business through thick and thin. To be going through one of the biggest cost of living crisis and to still see you travelling to town, aswell as from other cities to get all of your products within the Moor Market is Incredible.”